N.J. university plans to cut 25% of professors — but its union is pushing back

The union representing full-time faculty members and other employees at Rider University is challenging the administration’s plan for layoffs, salary cuts and other changes.

The private university announced the layoff plan last week as it attempts to dig itself out of a financial crisis that is threatening the school’s accreditation.

“From our perspective, these are proposals. We do not accept that they can unilaterally change the terms and conditions of the faculty bargaining unit,” said Jeffrey Halpern, contract administrator and chief grievance officer for Rider’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors union.

Halpern told NJ Advance Media the administration’s cuts run counter to the union’s contract with Rider and the school did not provide sufficient notice f